How to Renew Your British Passport Abroad

Service: HM Passport Office Overseas Service

Apply Online: gov.uk/overseas-passports

Processing Time: Up to 10 weeks (allow extra time)

Cost: Approximately 100 GBP for adult passport (fees vary by country)

Delivery: By international courier to your overseas address

British citizens living or travelling abroad can renew their passport without returning to the UK. Since 2014, HM Passport Office processes all overseas passport applications centrally, rather than through individual embassies and consulates. The entire application is completed online through GOV.UK, with your new passport delivered directly to your overseas address by courier.

This guide covers the standard renewal process, what to do in an emergency, and the special circumstances that may affect your application. If you are planning to travel soon, it is essential to start the renewal process well in advance, as processing times are significantly longer than domestic UK applications.

When to Renew Your Passport

You should consider renewing your British passport if:

It expires within 6 months: Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Even if your passport is technically valid, you may be refused entry or boarding with less than 6 months' validity.
It has run out of blank pages: Some countries require blank pages for visa stamps and entry/exit stamps. If you are running low, apply for a new passport.
It is damaged: Damaged passports (water damage, torn pages, defaced cover) may not be accepted at border control.
Your details have changed: If you have changed your name (through marriage, divorce, or deed poll), you need a new passport reflecting your current legal name.
It has expired: You cannot travel on an expired British passport. Apply for a renewal as soon as possible.

Important: Since Brexit, UK passports must have at least 3 months' validity beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area, and must have been issued within the last 10 years. Passports with extra months of validity added from a previous renewal may not count towards the 10-year rule. Check your passport carefully before booking European travel.

How to Apply Online

Go to gov.uk/overseas-passports and start your application. The system will ask which country you are in, whether you are renewing or applying for the first time, and your personal details.
Upload a digital photo. You can use a smartphone to take your photo against a plain light background. The online system will check it meets the requirements. Alternatively, you can have a professional photo taken at a local photo shop.
Submit your supporting information. For a straightforward renewal, you will need to confirm your identity and provide details from your current passport.
Pay the fee online. Fees are charged in GBP and may vary slightly depending on the country you are applying from due to courier delivery costs. Payment is by debit or credit card.
Send your current passport. You will be instructed to send your old passport to HM Passport Office by courier. The online system provides specific instructions for your country, including where to send it. In some countries, you can drop it at a local partner office.
Wait for processing. Allow up to 10 weeks from when HM Passport Office receives your old passport. You can track your application status online.
Receive your new passport. Your new passport will be delivered by international courier (usually DHL or TNT) to the address you provided. Your old passport is returned separately, cancelled with a corner cut.

Supporting Documents

For a standard adult renewal, the supporting documents are minimal since your identity has already been established. However, you may need additional documents in certain circumstances:

Name change: Original deed poll, marriage certificate, or civil partnership certificate. Documents in foreign languages may need a certified translation.
Lost or stolen passport: A police report from the country where the passport was lost or stolen. You may also need to provide additional identity evidence.
First adult passport: If you have never held an adult British passport, you will need countersignatories who can confirm your identity, plus proof of citizenship.
Child passport: Both parents must consent (unless one has sole responsibility). Additional parental documentation may be required.

Emergency Travel Documents

If you need to travel urgently and cannot wait for a standard passport renewal, the nearest British embassy or consulate can issue an Emergency Travel Document (ETD). This is a temporary document valid for a single journey, usually to return to the UK or to your country of residence.

To obtain an ETD:

Contact the nearest British embassy or consulate. In an emergency, call the FCDO 24-hour line: +44 20 7008 5000.
Provide proof of your identity and British citizenship (any form of ID, even a photocopy of your passport or driving licence).
Provide passport photos (some embassies can take these on site).
Pay the fee (approximately 100 GBP).
ETDs can often be issued the same day for genuine emergencies.

Limitations of ETDs: Emergency Travel Documents are not accepted by all countries for entry. Some countries require a full passport. An ETD is designed to get you home or to a safe destination, not for onward leisure travel. Check with the airline and destination country before relying on an ETD.

UK Passport Offices Abroad

While passports are no longer processed at embassies, some countries have partner offices where you can submit documents or collect passports. These are typically in countries with large British expatriate populations. The GOV.UK application process will provide country-specific instructions for document submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I travel while my passport application is being processed?

No. You must send your current passport to HM Passport Office as part of the application. You will be without a passport for the duration of processing (up to 10 weeks). Plan accordingly and do not submit your passport if you have upcoming travel.

What if my passport expires before the new one arrives?

If your passport expires while your application is being processed, this is not a problem. HM Passport Office will process your renewal regardless. However, you will not be able to travel internationally during this period.

Can I get extra pages added to my passport?

No. The UK no longer offers additional pages for existing passports. If you need more pages, you must apply for a completely new passport.

What happens to my visas in my old passport?

Valid visas in your old passport may still be usable. Many countries allow you to travel with both your new passport and your old (cancelled) passport containing the valid visa. Check with the specific embassy of the country whose visa you hold.

Can I apply from any country?

Yes. The online service is available worldwide. However, delivery times and partner office availability may vary. In some countries, courier delivery may take longer or require collection from a central location.